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Much of our food and oxygen from the air we breathe comes mainly from the sea and the world's oceans, without forgetting that they play a vital role for commercial activities. Nevertheless, the seas and oceans in conjunction with marine biodiversity are constantly threatened as a result of human activities, between which contamination is of plastic.

It is believed that the 40% of the world's oceans are affected by this type of pollution and waste generated negatively impacts biodiversity, as millions of species ingest these wastes or become entangled in them, causing not only death, but also avoids reproduction. The United Nations estimates that "oceans contain about 200.000 species identified, but the actual figures may be on the order of millions ". For example, the leatherback turtle, a species of sea turtle, gobble plastic bags because mistaken for jellyfish, which puts them critically endangered.

"The oceans absorb about 30 percent of the carbon dioxide produced by human beings " (United Nations), which is why we protect and maintain the health of the oceans is everyone's responsibility, because in this way we preserve marine resources and reduce the impact of global warming. Eliminate the use of plastic, communicate messages about why we should protect marine life and perform cleanups on beaches, are some of the practices and activities we have to do to mitigate environmental degradation, otherwise "climate change will increase the cost of damage to the oceans in other 322.000 million annually by 2050 " (United Nations).

It is estimated that plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose and in the central areas of the seas, more plastic food. "A study of 2010 estimated that 5 Y 13 million metric tons of plastic end up in the sea every year " (Plastic kills). For example, plastic bags are delayed more than 150 years to biodegrade, since they are "composed of polyethylene, same as that obtained by the oil and is a nonrenewable resource " (ExpokNews).

It is evident that plastic pollution is a serious environmental problem, so businesses and consumers should reduce and curb the use of this material. According to a report by the United Nations Program for Environment (UNEP), "Plastic consumption generates annual environmental costs 75 billion dollars as a result of marine pollution and air from the incineration of this material " (Time). Improve management of recycling and control the use of plastic from our homes are some small practices we can adopt to mitigate this great problem.

Nevertheless, there are those who make use of plastics to improve the quality of life of poor people. The Foundation for Scientific Research and Technological Development, FICIDET, It makes use of this material to build plastic houses architectural type. These houses can be made with approximately 9 a 10 tons of plastic, 50% polyethylene and 50% Polypropylene. Recycled plastic blocks that are made by extrusion, contain thermoplastic polyolefins are high rigidity, crystallinity, high melting point and excellent chemical resistance. This project called BRICKARP, promote social welfare, It helps to protect the environment and no pollution.

He plastic you can take advantage of many ways and that is where the recycling plays a decisive role. At 2015 carried out the awards "Best Recycled Product", competencia que realiza la organización “European Association of Plastics Recycling and Recovery Organizations” (EPRO), which gives recognition to the best products made with recycled plastic. Scandinavian Business Seating, plastic strap and recycled yogurt pots, were the winning products. The purpose of these awards is to generate awareness about the use of this material and its implications on the environment.

That is why large organizations should follow this example and make products with recycled material, in this way, They reaffirm their commitment to the planet and encourage consumers to sue friendly products environment. Some things made from recycled plastic are already on the market are: clothes, handbags, straps, glasses, chairs, lamps, tables and elements for playgrounds.

In Colombia of "11.6 million tons of solid waste generated per year, Only advantage from a 17 percent, according to official figures " (The Colombian). In this order of ideas, "during the 2015 in the country they recovered from 3.000 Y 3.500 tons of PET packaging (teleftato of polietileno), It is representing only 26% of the total" (The Republic). Ignorance of the benefits of recycling creates a threat to the environment and a loss in what could be a business opportunity.

According to a study by Enka de Colombia, Japan is the most recycled bottles country made with a Pet 78% and Colombia only reuses 22%, It is located below the world average of 41%. In our country, the cities where it is recycled are Bogotá, Medellin and Cali.

In Cali, the Foundation for Scientific Research and Technological Development highlights, FICIDET, who through their project BRICKARP, architectural building houses with recycled plastic. Other products made with this material are the poles, either to use gardening (small posts) or for extensive livestock such as cows and horses (large positions), also they use wood to create plastic pallets, which serve as packing houses to transport them from one place to another. FICIDET stands out for its excellent work to protect the environment and to innovate in the creation of products with materials 100% recycling.

Have you heard of the ICONTEC standards, what they are and what they are? Surely in college the first time and hear you deliver demanded written work according to these rules.

The ICONTEC standards were issued by the Icontec (ICONTEC), they "present the guidelines with which it must have all written work, this in order to guide the teacher, student or researcher in the writing and presentation of a document with technical guarantee and high quality ".

In this sense, these rules contain a number of guidelines (margins, numeration, drafting, Bibliographical sources) to carry out any academic work and research, theses and reports. They are also used in the business world for administrative reports.

Although these rules are not updated from the 2008, corresponding to the sixth version, remain in force in academia. The Foundation for Scientific Research and Technological Development, FICIDET, with the help of ICONTEC, They are working to evolve a Colombian technical standard on the material used to make parts BRICKARP system, which builds homes from recycled material. In this way, This system protects the environment and does not generate any pollution, as the raw material used for manufacturing blocks obtained from recycling.

Currently, BRICKARP project continues the research and approval process. Some of the tests that have been conducted so far are tests of comprehension, in collaboration with the Colombian School of Engineering Julio Garavito, to further laboratory tests to better understand the characteristics and behavior of the project, with a view to applying for approval to the Commission system, Similarly, other tests that have been executed are fire, with the participation of Fire Vijes.

The ICONTEC standards play an important role in the academic and business world, since it standardizes the lineaments and criteria in the preparation of written documents from various perspectives or approaches, "In order to obtain consistent results and methodological structures required parameters" (Scribd).

Due to the constant climate changes that the planet has been facing, Governments have been forced to implement policies that help mitigate the negative impact on the environment. Although it is expected, humans put our bit to exaggerate this problem that hurts us every day more. It is our obligation, from our homes, We contribute to this cause by adopting green practices to help offset environmental damage, one of them: recycling.

Recycle paper, It is one of the most recycling activities it benefits the environment: reduces emissions of greenhouse gases, reduces energy consumption and water, prevents deforestation (prevents deforestation) and improves air quality. According to the Ministry of Environment, Housing and Territorial Development, in Colombia it is generated annually "11.6 million tons of waste per year and of these only 17% takes advantage" (The viewer). Nevertheless, countries like the Netherlands recycle up 99% of the trash. That is why the Decree exists in Colombia 596 of the 11 April 2016, which seeks to modernize the recycling system in the country.

During the 2010, the Ministry of Environment, Housing and Territorial Development states that the 658.238 tons of cardboard and paper recovered in Colombia, They were saved 44 million cubic meters of water and 3 billion kwh power consumption. Clearly paper recycling not only benefits the environment, but also it contributes to the country's economy. At 2014, the "Valle del Cauca exported US $ 163.2 million in the sector of pulp paper and cardboard, and in the first quarter of 2015, he 4,1% of total exports of this department correspond to sales in this sector " (The country).

One of the regional foundations that stands out for its work to protect the environment is FICIDET, Foundation for Scientific Research and Technological Development. His research project called , It is studying the possibility of creating ground-based brick recycled paper (cellulose) PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) and other components to the internal divisions of the house. This product has the characteristics of a common brick, It is lighter and is 100% recyclable. In this way, the FICIDET foundation seeks to be a leader in developing innovative programs and projects that promote human and social welfare, thus contributing to improving the environment.

There is no doubt that recycling is one of the most effective methods to recover some of what is consumed. Instead, What's your contribution to this noble cause?, Do you recycle at home? Sort garbage into organic and inorganic waste is our duty as citizens, be kind to the planet and the environment costs nothing and does not pollute. Start now!

Currently we are all witnesses of the changes occurring on the planet. floods, drought, natural disasters and global warming became a constant threat that requires attention not only of governments but of society in general. Put our bit and take various actions to minimize the negative impact we have on the environment address vulnerability that has the planet and duty as responsible citizens is necessary if we want to preserve and care for our environment. That is why we present a number of useful recommendations you can implement in your home.

Use energy-efficient appliances

This not only helps protect the environment but the pockets of citizens. If we have efficient appliances get to use between 2 Y 10 times less energy and get the same result. Similarly, turn off the lights, disconnect electrical appliances while they are not using and replace bulbs with fluorescent bulbs, are key activities to reduce excessive consumption and save energy.

Use solar panels

Also called solar panels, comply with the functionality to convert energy that provides the sun into electricity. Renewable energy and clean energy make use of energy that provides the sun and these sources vary according to their benefits, costs and the development stage of technology. The Foundation for Scientific Research and Technological Development, FICIDET, currently through its program BRICKARP, implement solar panels on sustainable architectural projects to optimize natural resources that mitigate the environmental impact of buildings and buildings in the city.

Drying clothes outdoors

Make this activity helps keep more clothes and helps to protect the environment. Do not use dryers is essential to save energy, and you save between 3 Y 4 kilowatt / hour per charge or 2.5 kg. Carbon dioxide. You also avoid the clothes desgate from heat faster they undergo in the dryers and dry clothes outdoors it makes UV disinfect your clothes, in this way, have cleaner and stain-free clothes.

More vegetable Aliméntate

Increase the use of vegetables in our diet it is key to reducing meat consumption. Having a meat-based diet generates deforestation and processing, storage and transportation requires a lot of energy. It is estimated that the 18% emissions of greenhouse gases are associated with meat consumption, which makes it an unsustainable activity.

Saving water

Close the faucet while you are brushing and soaping, control water leaks in your home and use the dishwasher and washing machines when fully filled, helps greatly to protect our planet. Saving water in various ways is an excellent strategy to reduce our ecological footprint, since these small habits can help reduce water consumption in a 60% or more.

Replaces traditional products biodegradable and non-toxic

Clearly, we all like to be in a clean and free of bacteria, but many of the products we use to have a healthy environment contain harmful chemicals to human health and pollute heavily water supplies, fishing and wildlife. Use biodegradable and non-toxic products produce the same cleaning effect and help to preserve the environment.

These were some small habits that you can implement in your home to conserve our habitat and, thus, We improve our domestic economy by saving energy. Implement green activities in our daily lives and educate the kids to protect our planet, are some of the challenges facing society today if we want planet for a while.